What is ESSA?
The Every Student Succeeds ACT (ESSA) is a national law that helps students succeed, especially those who need extra support. It includes several key protections and goals:
- Fairness for all students: ESSA makes sure schools support students who need the most help, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- High standards for learning: All students must be taught to meet strong academic standards that prepare them for college and careers.
- Clear progress tracking: Every year, schools check how students are doing through statewide tests, and share that information with families and communities.
- Support for local ideas: ESSA encourages schools to try new, research-backed strategies that meet the needs of their own students.
- Access to preschool: It invests in expanding access to quality early learning programs.
- Improving struggling schools: ESSA requires action to improve schools where many students aren't progressing or graduation rates are low.
The different Titles under ESSA provide targeted support - like funding for risk schools (Title I), teacher development (Title II), English Learners (Title III), providing a more well rounded education (Title IV), and more - to ensure every student has access to quality education.